Five questions facing Lakers

If you believe Twitter and the Internet video clips, then there's no question Bryant will be ready for his 18th NBA season. During a promotional tour in China, Bryant said he was “shattering” the recovery time it normally takes for a torn Achilles' tendon. But will he be the same player? Mitch Kupchak said it will take time before Bryant recovers his explosiveness, and his age (35) will play a factor. Bryant is expected to miss the preseason and possibly the opener against the Clippers on Oct. 29, but after that is anyone's guess.

2. Can Pau Gasol take back the Lakers' inside game?

With Dwight Howard having moved 1,500 miles east, Gasol will slide back to the center position and resume his spot in the low post, where he used to dominate before being forced onto the perimeter last season. The shove to the outside, combined with injuries, hurt Gasol's game and confidence last season. After a steady offseason of treatment and rehab work on his achy knees, and no international play, Gasol should be ready to dominate. If he doesn't rebound, another disappointing downward slide could be in store.

3. Who will play defense now that Metta World Peace is gone?

Good question, tough to answer. With World Peace in the lineup, the Lakers' defense was suspect, allowing 101 points a game and finishing 22nd in the league last season. They also gave up the most free-throw attempts (1,594). Without the defense-minded small forward (and Dwight Howard and a healthy Bryant), the Lakers could be even more dreadful. That makes assistant coach Kurt Rambis' job difficult. Although his role has yet to be defined, the defensive-minded Rambis is expected to take over the defense and help the Lakers find a way to improve on that end of the court.

4. Can Steve Nash, above, be the same player fans remember from Phoenix?

A broken leg suffered in the second game derailed Nash's season. Also playing in a hybrid role of point guard/off guard didn't help showcase his ability to run the floor. The veteran guard has said he has been practicing at 100 percent for weeks now, but at 40 years old, Nash will be hard-pressed to evoke memories of his All-Star days. Watch for him to play more limited minutes.

5. How long before Coach Mike D'Antoni, below, is on the hot seat?

With a less-than-spectacular list of newcomers, an aging roster and hobbled Bryant, expectations are low, giving D'Antoni a pass in the early going. He gets a full training camp to work out the kinks early, figure out players' strengths and decide on who will make the team. D'Antoni enters his second season with a complement of players who suit his style. If the Lakers stumble out of the gate, however, and answers aren't forthcoming, look for the “We want Phil” chants to return by the first of the year.

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